The Good Son: The Life of Ray Boom Boom Mancini

Great documentary, giving a fascinating insight into the lives and the journeys of two boxers who meet finally in a fateful encounter in the ring. Very emotionally charged and life affirming. Loved the connection between the families involved. So human and beautiful. Great input from boxing legends.

Good movie but they left out his first title shot against Alexis Arguello That's a total insult to Alexis who was a legendary fighter Mancini was always protected. Mancini was a good fighter but just that

This was a surprisingly good documentary, engaging, captivating and really drawing the viewer into the life story of Ray Mancini. It opens with Mickey Rourke discussing why he was in awe of Ray, how exciting and action packed his fights were. We also hear from Sugar Ray Leonard and Ed O'Neill -who seemed kind of random if I'm honest.

This profiles Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini, focusing on his personal account into the tragic aftermath of his match against Duk-Koo-Kim, a Korean boxer he fought 30 years previously who died of injuries sustained in the ring.

We also learn of Kim's impoverished upbringing in Korea and meet his wife and son Jiwan who was born after his death. Jiwan never felt his father's touch and lives in his shadow much as Ray did with his own father.

The finally scene has Ray meeting with Kim's wife and son. It's beyond powerful and almost brought me to tears as they share stories, tears and a meal. Bringing forgiveness.

Even if you're not a boxing fan (I used to be), you'll find this extremely well-done, well-documented and emotionally-moving exposure of the classic 'Mancini-Kim' fight on Nov 18th, 1982 at Ceasar's Palace in Las Vegas. And, the long-lived, cross-Pacific aftermath-and-travel for Kim's family to visit Ray for a decent dose of closure with him. If you chose to watch, consider it a self-propelled 'gift' to yourself within your recent viewings. I was 'riveted' during my own, and remain so even after the credits disappeared from the screen today. Keep a hankie nearby, you'll need it. One of the best I've seen. ~Bob Shank, Tucson AZ